Van Andel Institute receives check for more than $51,000

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) After a year of fundraising efforts, Great Lakes Scrip Center (GLSC) presented Van Andel Institute (VAI), with a check for more than $51,000. It happened a the GLSC’s Annual Team Member Day which helps to fund cancer and neurodegenerative disease research at the Van Andel Institute.

The theme of this year’s Team Member Day was “Chopped,” based on the popular cooking competition television show. More than 90 GLSC employees were divided into 10 teams, and each team was given a basket of random ingredients. Teams were then responsible for preparing an appetizer, entrée and dessert from their basket. The winners received money to add to their fundraising total for Van Andel Institute’s grassroots fundraising program, Purple Community®. Purple Community connects individuals who are passionate about fighting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases with the resources needed for action.

“We were inspired by the work being done at VAI, and we’ve spent the last year raising funds to support their research and education programs,” said Carol Smith of GLSC. “Nearly everyone is affected by cancer or disease in some way, and we want to do our part.”

Carol Van Andel was one of the six judges representing Van Andel Institute.“This was such a fun event to be a part of, but more importantly, it helps to fund our fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,” said Van Andel. “We are so grateful for the efforts and contributions of the Great Lakes Scrip Center as they help us in our mission to discover effective treatments for those who need them.”

Thanks to the endowment given by Jay and Betty Van Andel, 100% of every dollar raised for VAI goes directly to the laboratories where discoveries are made and the classrooms where future scientists are trained.